Bolt, Powell show opponents can be friends

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The accident involving Usain Bolt has generated many comments and much dialogue - and so it should. One thing struck me, on which no one else has commented: the friendship between Bolt and Asafa Powell.

This was obvious in The Gleaner of Monday, June 11, 2012 with a photo of the two men, all smiles, flanking a beautiful young lady; and in Asafa's tweet, also reported in The Gleaner, at his happiness that Bolt had sustained no injuries in his fender bender.

It is clear that the gentlemen are competitors on the field - not rivals - and on and off the field share the most beautiful relationship: friendship.

Biblical parallel

I am reminded of David and Jonathan.

David was anointed by God to become Israel's new king. As the eldest son of King Saul, Jonathan would have been groomed to take over the kingship, but when his father fell out of favour with God, things changed and God anointed David to become the future king.

Instead of being jealous, Jonathan befriended and supported David, saying: "You shall be king and I will be second to you."

May their friendship continue genuine and long, on and off the track. I think Bolt can do with Asafa's steadying influence. The other athletes who share an MVP-Racers rivalry would be wise to follow the example of two of the greatest athletes ever to grace the track.

And may the country, divided by political rivalry, see that persons can compete without animosity, always with friendliness and genuine love and concern for, indeed, love is the greatest emotion. It builds up, is never jealous and does not tear down.

ELAINE HOPE

avideducator@hotmail.com